It began with a dream - to create a school for their people on Worimi Country, immersed in their culture and language and with a dedication to high academic standards. This week that dream came to life with the launch of St Philip’s Christian College Gilbaa.
St Philip’s Christian Education Foundation was first was approached in 2019 by the Yadha Muru Foundation, led by prominent Aboriginal community leader, Sean Gordon and UNSW's Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, Prof Leanne Holt to propose the idea of the establishment of an Aboriginal school-within-a-school as part of the St Philip’s Christian College group. From this initial conversation, St Philip’s then established an Aboriginal Education Team to work alongside the local Worimi community to deliver quality Christian education in partnership with and staffed by the local Aboriginal community.
Worimi Elder Aunty Lorraine Lilley reflected on the significance of this moment and the progress that has been made in providing children with this valuable educational experience.
“One or two generations back the Worimi people of Port Stephens, under the Aborigines Protection Board, were restricted to primary level education only. Not to mention our traditional language was prohibited. Aboriginal history and culture was not taught in schools until recently. Now we are discussing bilingual education. This is an amazing development. Local Worimi Elders will be thrilled to know that their grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have the opportunity to learn in a first-class environment. Well done and congratulations for being bold enough to bring this exciting project to our community.
Gilibaa means 'The Place of Light' and the desire of the community at St Philip’s is that the school will be a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will have the opportunity to develop not just in education but also in their understanding of local Aboriginal culture. Students will learn in both English and their Gathang language and be embedded within the broader community at St Philip’s Christian College Port Stephens.
Nadine Russell is a Worimi Registered Owner, Worimi LALC Board Member and Knowledge Holder. She is also thrilled to see this new school established,
"This is a great thing for our community. Our kids will be receiving the best of both worlds. To be able to learn in both English and our Gathang language is truly special. Our kids will grow up speaking our language and then teach their family at home, our language begins to thrive again. My hope for this school is to instil in our kids the sense of cultural strength and high educational morals. We are teaching the next leaders in our community and I fully support what they are trying to achieve. I know our old people would be proud."
Director of Aboriginal Education at St Philip’s, Mr Jonathan Lilley believes this venture will support the local Aboriginal community as well as providing an opportunity to bring greater understanding of Aboriginal culture to the wider community,
‘SPCC Gilibaa will be a place where others can learn of Aboriginal education and the principles that first Australians have lived by for millennia. A place of sharing cultures with the broader SPCC family.’
